Starring: Will Hutchins, Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper
Created by: Michael Fessier
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 982 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I have never been the biggest fan of the Western genre.  In fact, “Sugarfoot” was never on my radar in the past.  I have heard of it but never saw any episodes. Will Hutchins really does a great job on his role and I really loved that character. The show itself is filled with guest stars right from the pilot including Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper as Billy the Kid. This show has also brought fame to many other well known talent including Bob Steele, Guinn Williams, Don Barry, Paul Fix, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, James Garner, Charles Bronson and many more.  “Sugarfoot: The Complete First Season” features the first 20 episodes of the series over this 5-disc set.

Official Premise: Based on The Boy from Oklahoma (1954), an easygoing Western starring Will Rogers Jr., Sugarfoot debuted on ABC-TV on September 17, 1957, where it alternated every other week with Cheyenne. Will Hutchins ably ambled into the boots of Tom Brewster, a peaceable lad aiming to get a law degree via a correspondence course, with a nose for danger and a heart of steel. Sarsaparilla sipping “sugarfoot” Tom has one major difference from the likes of Layne and Bodie, however, he would rather reach for his thinking cap than for his pistols (Not that he can’t ping a peso from twenty yards, mind you!

Since this first season DVD release only includes 20 episodes, this show ran for four seasons with nearly 70 episodes. So I assume that Warner Archive is planning to releases the remaining seasons as well in the coming months.  So if you are a fan of this classic Western show then this show be music to your ears.  The episodes looks great for a show that is nearing 60 years old.  I am not aware if Warner Archive did a full restore on them but I was impressed enough.  Even though Westerns are not my cup of tea, I look forward to the rest of the seasons just to enjoy the timeless action and amazing cameos.

Actors: Gerard Christopher, Stacy Haiduk, Sherman Howard
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 560 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive is responsible for bringing this complete third season of “The Adventure of Superboy” to DVD for the first time.  They originally released the first season back in 2006 but there was a huge gap for the second season, which was released December 2012. So hopefully the fourth and final season of the show is not far behind. This show is a half-hour live-action television series based on early year of Kal-El aka Superman. The show ran from 1988–1992 and aired over 100 episodes. The title of the show was renamed in fact from “Superboy” to “The Adventures of Superboy” at the start of the third season.

I personally was not a huge fan of this show.  I think Superman works best when he is Superman.  I am not really interested in his younger days, nor does anyone else. Anyone see “Man of Steel” – fast forward to the good stuff. But this show came at a time in our TV history in the early 90’s where it was considered a little campy as well.  The idea of superhero films or TV shows were focusing more on camp then the darker and more serious tones. Hardcore fans of DC Comics, might want this to complete their collection but I was not a big fan.

Official Premise: Celebrate the Summer of Steel by diving into Kal-El’s adventures… when he was just a “boy” – and by boy we mean a fully-employed young adult! The show’s third season ushered in more changes as the hit syndicated show redefined itself for a new decade. Now named The Adventures of Superboy, the show leaves Shuster University behind, as Clark (Gerard Christopher) and Lana (Stacy Haiduk) take on internships in Capitol City at The Bureau of Extra-Normal Matters, a government agency dedicated to investigating aliens and the paranormal – years before anyone put an ³X² on a file. Working alongside fellow bureau member Matt Ritter (Peter Jay Fernandez) and under bureau chief C. Dennis Jackson (Robert Levine), Clark and Lana delve deep into the unknown as the show cooks up a comic-flavored confection of SciFi Noir. Fans will want to keep their eyes peeled for a pair of special guest stars in this 26-Episode, 3-Disc Collection – Stuart Whitman as Jonathan Kent and Ron Ely as …Superman!

Actors: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter Macnicol
Directors: Victor Cook
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Running Time: 78 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Scooby-Doo!, Warner Bros. Animation has been behind this series for the last few years and keeping it alive and fresh. “Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright” is the latest direct-to-video original animated movie and one heck of a fun time. It features the great voice talents of Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Matthew Lillard, Wayne Brady, Peter Macnicol and Ariel Winter. There is something about Scooby-Doo! that really still entertains time after time. This film is filled with great laughs, thrills and hijinks, all the great things that make up a great Scooby-Doo! movie. Keep them up Warner Bros!! Next up in the world of Scooby-Doo!, this September brings “Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Run For Your ‘Rife!”, which is a collection of 13 action-packed adventures.

Synopsis: Join Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Mystery Inc. crew as they head to Chicago for a talent show, a few museum tours and a whole lot of pizza. The windy city is home to the hit TV show, Talent Star, in which songwriting duo Fred and Daphne are finalists with high hopes. Not to be left out, Scooby and Shaggy have a secret act in the works, which they’re betting will take the contest by storm. Unlucky for all involved, the competition becomes frightful as the show is being broadcast from an opera house with a history of horrors and a particularly vengeful phantom that has cursed the show’s production.

Warner Home Entertainment is releasing this latest film, like the past ones, in a Blu-ray combo pack including the Blu-ray, standard DVD and UltraViolet™ editions of the film. The 1080p transfer of the film looks great. The animation really is sharp and the colors are crisp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the laughs and hijinks from the film. In terms of bonus features there is not much concerning the production itself but there are two bonus Scooby-Doo! episodes. Included episodes are “Never Ape an Ape Man”, which is the seventh episode of the first season of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” and “Don’t Fool with a Phantom”, which is the eighth and last episode of the second season of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”.

Actors: Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm, Christopher Lambert, Andie MacDowell
Directors: Hugh Hudson
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Bros.
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Run Time: 137 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” might not be considered the most popular portrayal of Tarzan but has always been one of my favorites. It is far for the worst, has anyone ever seen “Tarzan and the Lost City” back in 1998. Christopher Lambert aka Connor MacLeod from “Highlander”. took on the lead role in the film and does a great job. This version on the Blu-ray is the same extended version of the film which is roughly six minutes longer than the theatrical cut. This production is quite lavish and very beautifully shot.  It also focuses on the character’s dual nature as King of the jungle and as John Clayton, seventh Earl of Greystoke, heir to one of Scotland’s great estates. So I liked that angle of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story being explored within the film. If you have never seen this film, this would be the way to watch it for sure.

Official Premise: Hugh Hudson’s refreshingly adult revisionist take on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ immortal apeman arrives on Blu-ray like a blast of warm rain forest air. Robert Towne’s script (writing as P.H. Vazak) hews close to Burroughs’ origin as found in Tarzan of the Apes by way of modern anthropology. The second half may thread in some movie mythos (like Jane as English gentry) but plays out its savage vs. civilization theme. Gorgeously shot by John Alcott (The Shining, Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?), Greystoke also boasts an acting pedigree worthy of Burke’s peerage, including Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm , David Suchet, James Fox, and Nigel Davenport with Andie MacDowell and Glenn Close handling Jane physicality and vocality respectively. But the film belongs to Lambert’s heart-wide open performance as Tarzan and Rick Baker’s amazing simian simulations.

Thanks for Warner Archive for giving this film some love to this.  This film has never looked better on this Blu-ray.  Warner Archive has been slowly crossing over into the world of Blu-ray with these classics and this one really benefited from the format. This Blu-ray was set to be released numerous times but was held back in order to perfect the transfer and damn, did it make a difference. The 1080p transfer looks stunning and it has been taken from impressive sources that have been restored with a very close eye to attention.  The film was originally with Dolby Stereo on 35mm and even had a 70mm release with 6-track sound and this film sounds amazing on Blu-ray with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. It works very well with the action and jungle scenes.  The special features are not jam-packed but still work checking out.  There is a fine commentary track with Director Hugh Hudson and Line Producer Garth Thomas, which is quite detailed and thorough.  Lastly there is a trailer included.

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Actors: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz
Directors: James Frawley
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love The Muppets! Like many, I grew up watching the Muppets and have already loved their “The Muppet Movie”. Disney is releasing this film for the first time on Blu-ray in it’s Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition (34 years technically). This is the first and probably the best Muppets feature film to date. It stars Kermit and the Gang, Austin Pendleton, Charles Durning, Mel Brooks and Dom DeLuise. It is also jam packed with great cameos including Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Bob Hope, Orson Welles, James Coburn, Elliott Gould, Carol Kane, Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman. After nearly 35 years, this film is just as entertaining and a pleasure to revisit with the family. It has great movie and will guarantee a smile be put on your face! Plus with the The Muppets’ new movie, “Muppets Most Wanted” in theatres March 21, 2014, they are hotter than ever!

Official Premise: Celebrate the Nearly 35th Anniversary of the ultimate frogs-to-riches story with the one that started it all: The Muppet Movie. From the very first “plunk!” of Kermit’s banjo playing “The Rainbow Connection” (Oscar nominee, Best Original Song, 1979), to the hysterical road trip that brings the fearless frog together with Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and most importantly of all, Miss Piggy, join the jam-packed heartwarming hilarity, outrageous antics and big-shot Hollywood cameos.

Disney brings this film on Blu-ray in a nice combo pack with a digital copy included, which can be redeemed to Vudu or Amazon Instant Video. I am very excited that Disney is finally getting away from the physical digital copy discs and jumping on the streaming digital copy bandwagon. “The Muppet Movie” has never looked better, its 1080p transfer is gorgeous. Any fan of this movie should be blown away at how impressive it looks. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also sounds amazing and works very well with the music in the film like “The Rainbow Connection”, very impressive.

The special features included on this release are a must-watch as well. Firstly, there is director “Jim Frawley’s Extended Camera, which includes previously unseen footage. This is a must watch for any fan of the film. “Interactive Disney Intermission, Starring the Muppets” is a great new feature that really encourages extended and numerous bathroom breaks. Disney has actually made pausing the movie cool with great in-between footage that will entertain along with the film. There is featurette included for Pepe Profiles – “Kermit: A Frog’s Life”. There is an all-new Interactive Frog-E-Oke Sing-Along, which is a ton of fun as wel. Lastly there is a Doc Hooper’s Commercial and Original Trailers included. Left me feeling very satisfied here!

Michael Welch is probably best known for his role as Mike Newton in the super successful “Twilight” saga. Michael has also appeared in a number of other films and television series such as “Bones”, “Criminal Minds” and “CSI: NY”. Michael’s latest film “the Demented” was recently released on Blu-ray and Media Mikes had the chance to talk with him about his role in the film and what he likes most about working in the horror genre.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your new film “The Demented”?
Michael Welch: The film has a pretty basic concept. A group of college friends take off on break to hang out at this really nice house. As the story progresses things start to happen and the house begins to be attacked by zombies.

AL: Can you tell us about your role in the film?
MW: My character is the exact character that I would want to play in a film like this. I play the rich kid whose house everyone goes to before the zombies start attacking. My character is just looking to have a good time. He is very charismatic in his own way but doesn’t appear to be a particularly good guy. He’s basically looking at getting laid and getting paid. (Laughs)

AL: What was it that interested you in the film?
MW: I had never played a character like this before and I also like new and different challenges. I think characters like this are a lot of fun to do as they are shameless. You get to explore the darker side of a personality. I found it to be a fun and different challenge that I was happy to be a part of.

AL: Were you allowed any creative freedoms with the role?
MW: I pretty much did what I wanted to do. That’s really how I approached this role. From the very first audition I knew how I wanted to play this role. I figured a character like this was going to have a lot of confidence that verged on cockiness. I went in to those auditions with my version of the character and lucky for me they liked it. As far as the dialogue went I think there were a few spots of improve that happened.

AL: What do you think was the most difficult part of the shoot?
MW: We shot the film in the middle of summer in the swamps of Louisiana. It was super muggy and the heat was just debilitating. To keep your energy and spirits up in that type of climate was very difficult.

AL: Having done a few other horror themed films. Are you a fan of the genre?
MW: I am a huge fan of film in general. I like good story telling. I love horror films! I don’t know why I like being scared but I just do. (Laughs) I also enjoy Sci-Fi which has gotten really good in recent years. Story telling is exploring about what is interesting about life. To be able to go to the extreme and see what’s really possible is something I like doing.

AL: Having appeared in both television and film features is there one direction that you see yourself leaning more towards recently?
MW: In the past things were pretty clear on how everything played out. You would start in television and hopefully if you were lucky you would make it to films. That’s not the case anymore. I think for the most part the best onscreen story telling that’s happening now is being done through television. There are a number of incredible shows out there right now. Ultimately it doesn’t matter to me. Be it film or television as I just want to contribute in my own unique way to the stories that people have to tell and to be able to make a living doing so.

AL: Can you tell us about some of your other upcoming projects?
MW: Earlier this year I appeared in a film titled “Hansel and Gretel get Baked” which has done very well for the most part via digital distribution and Redbox. The film has turned into somewhat of an underground hit so I am really happy about that. I also have two films coming out later this year. The first one is titled “Grace Unplugged” and the other is titled “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane” which is a slasher film I did about 6 or 7 years ago. I am very happy that the film is finally going to see the light of day. Things are going really well and I am trying to work as much as I can.

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“The Best of Fridays”
Shout Factory
Starring: Larry David, Michael Richards, Melanie Chartoff
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 13 hr. 30 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Fridays” was the west coast’s answer to “Saturday Night Live” and is responsible for launching the careers of Michael Richards, Larry David and Melanie Chartoff. Skit comedy and live musical performances make up the 5 DVD set from Shout Factory titled “The Best of Fridays”. Over 13 hours of material make up this release which is a must have for both music fans and fans of sketch comedy.

The people at Shout Factory have done it again with their latest compilation release titled “The Best of Friday’s”. “Fridays” aired live from 1980-1982 and was probably best known for some of its musical performances by the likes of The Clash, Kiss and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The collection is laid out on four discs which feature the chosen highlights from that particular season with the 5th disc consisting of bonus material. Though the compilation features some interesting appearances by Andy Kaufman, William Shatner and Peter Fonda the musical performances were really what I enjoyed the most. It was great seeing these performances for the first time. Some of which I didn’t even know existed. Kiss performing songs off the ill fated “The Elder” prior to Ace Frehley’s departure, The Clash’s first television appearance along with Devo performing their classic hit “Whip It” was really special to watch. At times the audio is not the greatest however the video which is crisp and clear more than makes up for any other short comings.

The special features portion of the disc was ok however there was nothing out of the ordinary. Cast and crew interviews/stories make up the majority of this section along with a photo gallery and a skit documenting the making of an episode. Fans of sketch comedy will surely want to make room in their collection as will fans of the bands also featured on the collection.

Actors: Simon Rex, Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Katt Williams
Directors: Malcolm D. Lee
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Anchor Bay/Weinstein Company
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of the comedy spoof genre. “Airplane” was and still is my favorite comedy of all-time. “Scary Movie” came in 2000 and was a nice change to the genre. “Scary Movie 2” was not a great follow-up, “Scary Movie 3” was amazing and very funny (before Charlie Sheen went crazy) and then “Scary Movie 4” was another disappointment. So this franchise hasn’t had the best track record, well “Scary Movie V” just puts the nail in the coffin.

One thing, this latest installment does have is an interesting collection of cast including Ashley Tisdale, Simon Rex, Molly Shannon, Heather Locklear, J.P. Manoux, Jerry O’Connell, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Bow Wow, Terry Crews, Mike Tyson Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan. But unfortunately this is just one boring gags after another that have no connection to each other and its gets old after the opening scene. Stay away from this at any cost!

Official Synopsis: The Scary Movie series lampoons the greatest in horror and genre fare, and has grossed over $800 million worldwide. This latest installment includes send ups of Paranormal Activity, Mama, Sinister, The Evil Dead, Inception, Black Swan, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and pop culture featuring Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dogg, Katt Williams, Molly Shannon, Terry Crews, Simon Rex, Jerry O’Connell, Sarah Hyland, Katrina Bowden, Tyler Posey, Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, Kate Walsh, Heather Locklear, Mac Miller and Mike Tyson.

Despite the film being horrendous, Anchor Bay delivered an impressive Blu-ray release with a sharp 1080p video and an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track sounds good. They released this on a combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and an UltraViolet digital copy. In terms of special features like the film, there is nothing worth wild watching here either. There are a bunch of additional boring deleted and extended scenes, come to about 10 minutes more footage.

Actors: Brina Palencia, Josh Grelle, Christopher R. Sabat, Sonny Strait
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Run Time: 320 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” is a new Japanese anime series from 2012 that is based on Monkey Punch’s “Lupin III” manga. I have always been a huge fan of the original animated series as well. So I am excited to see the franchise come back with a new series. There are over 200 episodes of “Lupin the Third” over it’s past three series, so I am a little upset that there are only 13 episodes included but they are still 13 fantastic episodes. I haven’t seen this show in year and yet picking up with this series it is like I just finished watching series three yesterday. FUNimation is behind this Blu-ray release and I hope they know that they NEED to be releasing the first three “Lupin the Third” series after this. This is a must for any fan of this great franchise.

Official Premise: She’s a thief. A killer. A saint and a scandal. She’s whatever you need her to be to get the job done. After sizing you up with one sinful glance, she disarms you with a touch. You’re powerless to resist. She’s walking seduction, with an insatiable itch for the priceless and a fetish for mischief. She takes your breath away to get what she wants. She takes everything else just because she can. It’s all in a night’s work for the woman called Fujiko Mine. She’s the slinky, sultry thread that holds Lupin III’s crew together – and this is the heist that started it all.

The episodes included in this series are “Master Thief vs. Lady Looter”, “.357 Magnum”, “The Girl and the Samurai”, “Living in Love, Living in Song”, “Blood-Stained Pyramid”, “Prison of Love”, “Music and Revolution”, “Death Day”, “Steamy Desire”, “Dead City”, “Feast of Fools”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 1”, “The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Part 2”.

Funimation delivers “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” with two releases, a standard version and a limited edition version also including an art book. Both versions are 4-disc BD/DVD combo releases. I love how Funimation always delivers both a Blu-ray and DVD release for their shows.  This series comes with both Japanese and English audio tracks.  Having found this show on Adult Swim many years ago, I am a fan of the English track the most. The special features are worth checking out as well after you finish watching this series.  There are commentary track for episodes 6 & 9. There is a “Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine” Cast Reunion. “Fujiko Mine at OkraTron 5000” is a look into the show at the audio production company.  There is also an Textless Opening & Closing Songs and trailers included.

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Actors: Felicia Day, Andrew Bowen, Gerry Bednob, Doug Jones, Robert Picardo
Directors: Paul Seetachitt
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Wow! I was not expecting that at all. “Rock Jocks” was a real surprise for me. It is funny, epic and packs some impressive visual effects. If that is not enough, the film packs an impressive cast including Felicia Day (“The Guild”), Andrew Bowen (“MadTV”), Gerry Bednob (“The 40-Year-Old Virgin”), Doug Jones (“Pan Labyrinth”), who of course in full prosthetics playing a character called Smoking Jesus, Justin Chow (“The Twilight Saga”), Robert Picardo (“Star Trek: Voyager”), who is a real pisser, and Jason Mewes (“Clerks”). Actually, all impressive except for Justin Chon who was a big pain-the-ass. You can tell that the director was a big fan of “Clerks” as he took his love for that film and mixed it with a fun space adventure. I am not sure how this film missed my radar but I recommend for sure!

Official Premise: Housed in a top secret location, the Asteroid Management Initiative (AMI) is a critical element in the Defense Department s struggle to keep the Earth safe from the constant onslaught of oncoming asteroids. Its heroes are the ROCK JOCKS, a group of overworked and underpaid misfits with exceptional satellite piloting skills. Our story begins during a night shift, where the Rock Jocks have arrived to fend off the asteroids, yet spend most of the evening fighting off boredom, themselves, and a meddling government bureaucrat hell-bent on shutting them down.

New Video Group is behind this DVD release and they did a great job overall. I am not sure why they choose not to release this film on Blu-ray. I think the visual effects could have really benefited from it. The sound design was still very impressive on the DVD, the asteroid fights sound great. In terms of special features, there is nothing special included here. There are some behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast talking about the film and there is also a trailer included. I would have loved a commentary track with the cast, could have been fun and also a visual effects featurette.

Actors: Ross Clarke-Jones, Tom Carroll, Ben Matson, Kelly Slater, Toni Collette
Directors: Christopher Nelius, Justin McMillan
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Xlrator
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I am not a surfer. I have always wanted to learn to surf. But then I watched “Jaws”. Laugh if you want but I know I am not the only one. Nonetheless, I am still fascinated by the craft and the amazing people that master it like surfing legends Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones that the film follows. The main draw for me to this film is the fact that it was shot with state-of-the-art miniature 3D cameras. You are literally brought inside the barrel of the waves and I loved every minute of it. If you enjoy watching some amazing surfing in some beautiful locations like Australia and the Great Southern Ocean, then this is a must.

Official Synopsis: Combining cutting-edge 3D technology and bravura filmmaking, STORM SURFERS 3D is the ultimate big-wave thrill ride. The film follows best friends and surfing legends Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones, along with surf forecaster Ben Matson, as they track and chase giant storms in their quest to ride the Pacific’s biggest and most dangerous waves. Using state-of-the-art miniature 3D cameras that put audiences inside the barrel of the waves, STORM SURFERS 3D is a visually stunning cinematic adventure unlike any other.

Xlrator is delivering “Storm Surfers 3D” in a combo pack with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray included. Like I mentioned about the 3D is the main draw for this release, but I also tried it in 2D and it still works. The 1080p transfer is absolutely stunning and makes you want to jump through the screen and right into the waves. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really sounds amazing. Ever since Jack Johnson really hit it big, I have become big fan of surf music. The special features are not amazing but worth checking out. “Behind the Scenes with the Directors” is a short featurette on the production. “Profiles” thats a look into careers of Tom Carroll, Ross Clarke-Jones and Ben Matson. “Ross & Tom’s Need for Speed” feature the duo behind the wheel instead of the water. Lastly there is a “Storm Surfers” trailer.

Actors: Christian Boeving, Mike Mitchell, Ivy Corbin, Tara Cardinal, Carl Wharton
Directors: Marco Ristori, Luca Boni
Producers: Uwe Boll
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to zombies, there is no shortage out there with “World War Z” and “The Walking Dead”. “Zombie Massacre” is an adaptation of the Wii video game of the same name. When you think of video game adaptions and horror films, you think of Uwe Boll but no he did not direct this film…but Boll did serve as producer and stars as President of the United States. In terms of zombie horror films, this is nothing special but it does have some decent special effects and plenty of topless women zombies (must have been a bunch of strip bars in the area of the outbreak…obviously…right?). So “Zombie Massacre” doesn’t change the genre but did I mention topless zombies? Nonetheless, I think I am a little bit zombied out recently.

Official Premise: A top-secret bacteriological weapon developed by the U.S.Government to create an army of super soldiers triggers an epidemic that turns the citizens of a quiet town into mutated zombies. In an effort to conceal the outbreak, a team of mercenaries is assembled to infiltrate the infected city and detonate an atomic bomb destroying the monsters and all the evidence along with them. No one has to know the truth…unless the mission fails.

Entertainment One delivered a very impressive 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The transfer is sharp and works well with the make-up effects as well and for a low-budget zombie film, I was impressed.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works very well with the zombie madness including gunshots and explosions. The special features are nothing special but work checking out for the . “Superfreak: The Making of Zombie Massacre” is a solid 40+minute behind-the-scenes featurette including the special effects. Next there is are two storyboards including a prologue. Lastly, there is also two trailers included.

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston and Emma Roberts
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 50 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There’s something about an old fashioned family. Mom, Pop and the kids. Does a heart good to see that. And that’s exactly what Dave Clark (Sudeikis) thinks when he’s recruited by his weed supplier (Ed Helms) to travel to Mexico to pick up a smidge (“ok, a smidge and a half”) of marijuana to pay off a debt. Dave recruits a motley crew of “family” members: Rose (Aniston), a neighbor currently paying her rent (or not paying it) with money earned as a stripper; Kenny (Will Poulter) a quiet neighborhood kid; and Casey (Roberts) the local “homeless” girl. Together they dress the part, introduce themselves as “the Millers” and head across the border in a custom Winebago. Getting into Mexico is easier. Getting out…not as easy.

Often hilariously funny, “We’re the Millers” earns its laughs by lampooning the wholesome family image everyone remembers from such shows as “Leave it to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best.” Many of the jokes can’t be repeated here (like the “A” word best used to prevent pregnancy) but the characters are dead on in their attempts to portray the kind of people you’d find in a Norman Rockwell painting.

The cast delivers on all cylinders here. Sudeikis has developed into an appealing comic actor and does his best work here since “Hall Pass.” I was never a fan of the television show “Friends” and admit I’ve always been critical, though usually tongue in cheek, about the show’s stars appearing on the big screen. But in the past few years Aniston has won me over as a top notch comedienne and she adds another feather to that cap here. As the kids, Poulter steals the scenes he’s in while Roberts also shows some good comic timing. Supporting turns by Helms, Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn keep the laughs coming.

Though the film does get a little sappy towards the end (you have to have a message) the script is consistently outrageous. If you’re heading back to school shortly, let “We’re the Millers” give you one more big summer laugh.

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Starring: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario
Directed By: Thor Fredenthal
Rated: PG
Running Time: 106 minutes
20th Century Fox

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

*deep breath*

The demigod Percy Jackson (Lerman), the son of Poseidon, is back once again. He continues his training at Camp Half-Blood with his friends, Grover Underwood (Jackson), a satyr, and Annabeth Chase (Daddario), the daughter of Athena. The problem this time arises from the boundary around the camp that protects them. The magic boundary that sprung years ago from the deceased body of Thalia Grace (Paloma Kwiatkowski), the daughter of Zeus, has been poisoned. Now the only chance to restore the boundary and keep Thalia’s spirit alive is the Golden Fleece. But Luke Castellan (Jake Abel), the son of Hermes, also wants the Fleece for his own motivations. He hopes to resurrect an ancient evil and once again attempt to bring destruction to Mount Olympus. Things are even more complicated when Percy discovers he has a half brother, Tyson (Douglas Smith), who is part cyclops and tags along for their journey into the Sea of Monsters.

*exhales*

If you’re a little confused, you may need to watch the first movie or take some Cliff notes with you. However, the Cliff notes are probably a lot more entertaining than this movie. I myself had never seen the first “Percy Jackson” until literally hours before the screening of “Sea of Monsters”. This movie is an improvement upon the first, but that might be because the movie is shorter. We’re once again treated to a barrage of computer animated creatures and uninteresting action sequences. We’re not invested enough to be concerned about a character’s well being. It doesn’t help that there isn’t even the slightest sense of peril. Even when our heroes are fighting from being swallowed whole by a whirlpool sized creature in the middle of the ocean, I found myself fighting a yawn.

It’s been six years since the last “Harry Potter” book and just two since the last movie, but Percy Jackson is still creeping in its shadow. The movie has plenty of similar ideas, but that’s not the problem. Everyone borrows from everyone. I get that. The problem arises when the movie uses quirks as a crutch instead of building up this fantastic new world around its inhabitants. The characters aren’t given room to breathe with an ADHD script and smothering CGI. Instead of character driven scenes and diving into the why’s and how’s of the story, the actors are expected to just “ooh” and “ahh” at the newest monster or helpful item given to them by the Gods. I don’t fault any of the actors. They’ve managed to work well with the hollow script they were handed. I fault the studio for selecting Thor Freudenthal, who directed the forgettable “Hotel for Dogs”, to helm this flick. I fault the studio for thinking Marc Guggenheim, the man who helped pen the disaster-piece “Green Lantern”, would be able to bring life into this series. This shows a huge lack of trust in the books original content and the hope that people will be filling the theater for eye candy and tongue-in-cheek one liners. From what a book fan told me at the screening, the movies even changed major plot points.

Greek mythology and literature in its own respect has lived for thousands of years and still captivates people like any good soap opera. “Sea of Monsters” is automatically forgettable and another abusive adaptation of a beloved book series. However, younger audiences who probably haven’t read the books will eat up this newest adventure. Someone in Hollywood needs to go on a search. Find a screenwriter that truly loves these novels and characters. Someone who can’t wait to get their hands on a copy of the latest “Percy Jackson” book. It wouldn’t even hurt to have a huge input by the book’s author, Rick Riordan. With millions of copies sold and a rabid fan base that’s willing to put up with another poorly adapted movie, I think he knows what he’s doing. Not to sound like the end to a PBS show, but I think it’s time for me to learn more by going to my local library.

Actors: Danielle Harris, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan
Directors: BJ McDonnell
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Dark Sky Films
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 81 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The horror genre is easily my favorite out of all types of movies. When I first saw Adam Green’s “Hatchet”, I was blown away.  The film was so gory, in-your-face and did not apologize at all, I loved it. When I saw the sequel, the gore was there but the film itself was not as great. So I was hesitant going into this latest chapter of swamp monster Victor Crowley, but it was totally kick-ass. This was not directed by Adam Green, though he did write the screenplay. It marked the directorial debut of acclaimed cameraman BJ McDonnell, check out our interview with him here. If you weren’t a fan of “Hatchet II”, I recommend you still give this a chance.  They really took the good and the bad of the last film and improved on it. You get a fast, fun and did I mention gory crazy ride here!  Recommended for any true horrorhound! Just be warned it is not for the queasy!

The film packs an amazing genre cast including Danielle Harris and Kane Hodder returning to their roles. Kane Hodder actually gives his best performance Victor Crowley performance to date, he really put a lot into him this time. Also starring are favorites Zach Galligan (“Gremlins”), Caroline Williams (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”), and Derek Mears (“Friday the 13th”, “Predators”). That’s right, be sure to expect an epic Jason vs Jason stand-up with Mears and Hodder.  It is a fanboys dream and it is very sweet. I think that why this film succeeded is that director BJ and his team are really just fans of classics 80’s horror and they made a film that they would want to watch. I hope that this doesn’t conclude the series of “Hatchet” because I would love to see more.

Official Premise: Concluding the saga begun in Adam Green’s hit 2006 thriller, HATCHET III follows the vengeful Marybeth (Halloween’s Danielle Harris) as she continues seeking out a way to destroy Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder, Friday the 13th), a hulking, seemingly-invincible sociopath rampaging through a sleepy Louisiana swamp. While a heavily-armed team of mercenaries takes to the bayou surrounding Crowley’s home, Marybeth finds herself begrudgingly teaming up with a local policeman (Gremlins star Zach Galligan) and his ex-wife (Caroline Williams, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) – an expert on the maniac who may have uncovered the secret to ending his murderous rampage once and for all.

Dark Sky Films released this unrated director’s cut of “Hatchet III”.  The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive for the low-budget horror title.  The 1080p transfer is crisp and really work even in the extremely dark setting the film takes place in.  The gore is well represented, in fact this film actually made me look away at point and that is a first in a while.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the action scenes, including every chainsaw, bone breaking effects etc. The special features are impressive like the film itself.  There are two commentary tracks, the first is with Writer/Producer Adam Green, Director BJ McDonnell, Cinematographer Will Barratta, and Make-Up Effects Artist Robert Pendergraft.  It is a blast to listen to and definitely a must for fans of the film. There is also a cast commentary track again with Adam Green, BJ McDonnell and adding in Kane Hodder this time. Next up there are three featurettes covering everything in the production including, “Hatchet III: Behind The Scenes”, “Raising Kane” and “Swamp Fun”.

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